North American Windpower: India Set For Massive Wind Energy Growth Through 2030

by NAW Staff on Tuesday 04 December 2012

Wind energy could soon supply 5 GW per year in India, thus helping to fight chronic power shortages in the country, finds a new report prepared by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), the World Institute of Sustainable Energy and the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association.

Up to 89 GW of wind power could be installed in India by 2020, which compares to the 18 GW that is currently installed, the study finds. According to the report, this would attract around $16.5 billion of annual investment in the sector, create 179,000 new jobs and save 179 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

By 2030, India’s installed wind energy capacity could reach up to 191 GW, the report adds.

“India’s wind power sector has a mature manufacturing industry and enormous growth potential,” says Steve Sawyer, GWEC’s secretary general. “Now, we need to get the right policies in place both nationally and at the state level for India to meet its target of 15% renewable electricity supply by 2020.

“Power shortages and energy security are both critical issues for India’s rapidly growing economy,” he continues. “Wind is already cost-competitive with heavily subsidized fossil-fuel-based energy in several Indian states, and its competitive position will only improve over time. But we need effective national energy policy, coordination with states, investments in the grid and policy stability for wind power to fulfill its potential in India.”

India was the third-largest wind power market in 2011, after China and the U.S., and fifth in overall cumulative installed capacity.

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